1. Why Material Affects Price
Material choice significantly impacts pricing because different materials have vastly different costs, print times, and complexity.
2. Raw Material Cost
Materials range from economical to premium:
PLA — Most economical, great for visual prototypes
PETG/ABS — Moderate cost, better mechanical properties
Nylon — Higher cost, excellent durability and flexibility
Specialty materials (carbon fiber, high-temp) — Premium pricing for advanced performance
Resins — Vary widely based on properties (standard, tough, flexible, castable)
3. Print Speed & Machine Time
PLA: Fast printing, minimal issues
ABS/Nylon: Slower speeds, requires heated chamber (limits machine availability)
Engineering materials: May require lower speeds for quality
Longer print time = higher labor and machine costs
4. Success Rate & Waste
Easy materials (PLA, PETG): 95%+ success rate
Difficult materials (Nylon, specialty resins): Higher failure rate = material waste and reprints factored into pricing
5. Post-Processing Requirements
Some materials require additional processing steps that add to the overall cost.
6. Machine Wear & Maintenance
Abrasive materials (carbon fiber, glass-filled) wear nozzles faster
This maintenance cost is built into pricing
7. Cost-Saving Tip
If your application allows flexibility, ask our team to recommend the most cost-effective material that meets your requirements. Sometimes a less expensive material performs just as well.
Not sure which material is right for your budget and application? Submit an intake form and we'll recommend options.